Luminarium takes time to look back

The Bay will get a chance to explore Exxopolis as part of the Tauranga Arts Festival in October. Photo/ALAN PARKINSON

The story behind Exxopolis -- the giant, inflatable, walk-in sculpture coming to Tauranga for the arts festival -- begins 23 years ago and involves people from all walks of life.

Britain's Alan Parkinson first built a luminarium in 1992, with help from volunteers and community service workers.

To mark its 20th anniversary, and his company's 20th luminarium, Alan's team created the 1000m2 Exxopolis -- the double 'x' in the name celebrating the milestones.

For this luminarium, Alan returned to his roots and involved eight Nottingham community groups, including parent groups, a refugee forum and arts groups, who each made a window in the central cupola.

Made of small pieces of coloured plastic, the windows create a 'stained-glass' effect.

Tunnels connect the domes and the construction includes pods where visitors may sit and pause. The shoe-free Exxopolis is designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities.

Exxopolis will open on The Strand waterfront between the playground and the Edgewater Fan on October 16, six days before the arts festival begins, closing on the last day of the festival, November 1. Entry will be limited to 80 people every 30 minutes to create as magical an experience as possible.

Featuring performers from around the world, the Tauranga Arts Festival takes place from October 22 to November 1.

Tickets are for $12 each (plus booking fee), with discounted prices for families and TECT card holders -- half the tickets available for any one day will be pre-sold with the rest door sales.

- Exxopolis tickets are available from Baycourt and Ticketek. Tickets for Tauranga Arts Festival performances go on sale from August 13. For more information go to www.taurangafestival.co.nz